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DENNIS KNIGHT: Calvary Day alumni moving up in the baseball world

It’s been an eventful year for Calvary Day baseball alumni.

Last week, former Cavaliers standout Tyler Bashlor was selected in the 11th round of the Major League Draft by the New York Mets.

His former teammate, Hunter Newman, had a solid year in his first season with an LSU squad that is set to play in the College World Series on Sunday night against UCLA. The catcher for that Cavaliers squad, Skylar Strickland, saw action with a Savannah State team that reached the NCAA Regionals for the first time in school history.

Ryan Lawlor had a big season at Middle Georgia College and has signed a letter of intent to continue his college career at the University of Georgia.

Bashlor pitched well at South Georgia College — impressing scouts with a lively fastball that averages between 92-94 mph and can hit 97 mph when he reaches back for a little bit more. The right-hander played third base and served as a reliever during his high school days with the Cavaliers. He moved to the outfield and pitched as a starter and reliever at SGC, where he posted a record of 5-3 with and ERA of 2.96. He struck out 81 and walked 30 in 51 innings, with opponents batting just .188 against him.

On Thursday, Bashlor flew to West Palm Beach, Fla., to sign a contract that included a $550,000 signing bonus, he said.

“I knew I was going to get drafted, so it wasn’t a big surprise,” Bashlor said. “But it’s something I’ve wanted ever since I was a kid.”

Bashlor was enjoying some vacation time on Clarks Hill Lake and was on a boat when he got the call.

“I was happy to hear the Mets picked me,” Bashlor said. “Hopefully I’ll be playing with the Sand Gnats pretty soon.”

“Tyler always had lightning in that arm,” Davis said. “And he always had that blue-collar work ethic whether he’s on the field, in the weight room or the batting cage. He worked harder than anyone and earned everything that he got.”

Newman also gave his buddy a ring to wish him the best. Newman isn’t on the traveling roster for the Tigers. But the freshman pitched well when he was called upon.

In 13 appearances, Newman posted a 2-0 record with a 2.55 ERA. He started three games and pitched 24 2/3 innings — striking out 16, while opposing batters hit just .160 against the right-hander.

“I thought the season went well. I just tried to play my role and do whatever the coaches asked me to do,” Newman said. “I felt like my confidence on the mound was a lot better this year. My accuracy was better, I was pounding the strike zone.”

Newman said the experience playing for Calvary has helped the group excel.

“It shows how hard we have worked to get to the next level,” Newman said. “It’s been our dream since we were little kids.”

Strickland saw action as a backup catcher for SSU this year, hitting .189 in 37 at-bats. He fielded his position solidly and looks to be the likely successor to starting catcher Chris Arnold, who is graduating.

Lawlor continued his impressive run on the mound for Middle Georgia College. The standout lefty had a 1.31 ERA while posting a 7-1 record. He struck out 58 in 61 2/3 innings.

“We’re happy to have helped prepare these kids for the next level,” Davis said. “Hunter is extremely talented and we’re going to see him pitching in the College World Series and eventually in professional ball. And Skylar is another one of those blue-collar guys who is going to outwork everyone else. It’s really exciting to see our players doing so well, and we’re really proud of them at Calvary Day.”

Dennis Knight covers high school sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at 912-652-0329 or dennis.knight@savannahnow.com.